Chelsea have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of Roma defender Antonio Rüdiger following the defender’s latest revelation.
The Blues have been heavily linked with a number of defenders in the current transfer window after suggestions that Antonio Conte is keen on adding defensive reinforcements to his squad at the Stamford Bridge.
However, one of their major targets, Antonio Rüdiger has dismissed reports linking with a move to Chelsea in an interview with Sky Sports.
The Roma centre-back said: “I can only say that Conte is a great coach, but I chose to stay in Rome. We are competing on three fronts and we have to win a trophy. I am as obsessed with winning as [head coach Luciano] Spalletti.”
The 23-year-old was rumoured to be nearing a switch to the Stamford Bridge last summer transfer window before getting injured while on international duty with Germany which kept him out for the first three months of the Serie A season.
Conte will have to look to other defensive options after reports emerged that the another target Kostas Manolas is set to complete a move to Inter Milan.
However, the arrival of Nathan Ake to the squad may signal no further transfer approach by the Blues in the January transfer window.
